“I really had an amazing time at Befriending Creation Camp. I have to say it was one of the greatest experiences I ever had.” - participant

“I entered Befriending Creation as a fuzzy little caterpillar, and the camp became a cocoon for me in which I have been transformed in countless ways. Not a single girl in the camp was ever mean to me. Everyone accepted me and I accepted them, and together we encouraged each other to explore Creation and learn from it. We sang songs and made beautiful art in our journals, and of course enjoyed every minute we spent together in nature. All the counselors guided us and appreciated each and every one of us girls for who we were. For the first time in a very long time, I finally belonged somewhere. I began to see nature as something I not only loved, but was a part of. The sky became my brother and the trees were my strong sisters. No matter what happened, Creation never judged me for who I was. These connections and this understanding helped me grow…I am no longer the quiet little mouse skittering around people and hiding in dark corners; I am the proud red fox darting through the lush green trees, making a path for others to follow.” – Clare, Jr. Camp Counselor

"I witnessed the transformation of these young girls from inhibited to environmentally, socially and politically aware by week's end. Butterflies were born!" - Camp Counselor

Inner-city girls have fewer opportunities to connect with nature, and may not know of the many local and available resources they can access nearby. The camp is mentored entirely by women to model leadership, friendship and care for the girls.

During the mornings of this week-long camp, students visit sites where they learn to connect with creation -- all living beings. Visits include the Wildlife Science Center, the Raptor Center, Mississippi River, Peace Garden, and Bunker Park Stable where they learn to care for horses and go horseback riding.

In the afternoons, girls explore ways to express their wisdom, insights, and connection to creation. Creative exploration includes activities such as poetry/story writing, music, acting and movement, and visual journaling projects.

“I really had an amazing time at Befriending Creation Camp. I have to say it was one of the greatest experiences I ever had.” - participant

“I entered Befriending Creation as a fuzzy little caterpillar, and the camp became a cocoon for me in which I have been transformed in countless ways. Not a single girl in the camp was ever mean to me. Everyone accepted me and I accepted them, and together we encouraged each other to explore Creation and learn from it. We sang songs and made beautiful art in our journals, and of course enjoyed every minute we spent together in nature. All the counselors guided us and appreciated each and every one of us girls for who we were. For the first time in a very long time, I finally belonged somewhere. I began to see nature as something I not only loved, but was a part of. The sky became my brother and the trees were my strong sisters. No matter what happened, Creation never judged me for who I was. These connections and this understanding helped me grow…I am no longer the quiet little mouse skittering around people and hiding in dark corners; I am the proud red fox darting through the lush green trees, making a path for others to follow.” – Clare, Jr. Camp Counselor

"I witnessed the transformation of these young girls from inhibited to environmentally, socially and politically aware by week's end. Butterflies were born!" - Camp Counselor

Inner-city girls have fewer opportunities to connect with nature, and may not know of the many local and available resources they can access nearby. The camp is mentored entirely by women to model leadership, friendship and care for the girls.

During the mornings of this week-long camp, students visit sites where they learn to connect with creation -- all living beings. Visits include the Wildlife Science Center, the Raptor Center, Mississippi River, Peace Garden, and Bunker Park Stable where they learn to care for horses and go horseback riding.

In the afternoons, girls explore ways to express their wisdom, insights, and connection to creation. Creative exploration includes activities such as poetry/story writing, music, acting and movement, and visual journaling projects.